Publications
Lapp, Christian, Günther Ossimitz (2006): Die Grenzen technischen Katastrophenschutzes. [The limits of technological protection measures] Wissenschaft & Umwelt INTERDISZIPLINÄR 10
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Abstract (English)
Technical systems and machines typically operate in a structurally stable undercritical state. Self-organizing systems use the overcritical energy for their self-organization, whereas technical systems simply break down in situations involving an overcritical supply of energy. Technological improvements may raise the critical point of technical systems. This, however, does not avert the threat of a major catastrophe once a state beyond this high critical point is reached. In some cases it is possible to build into technical systems some kind of selforganization ability. This may help the system to better survive catastrophic situations.
Keywords: complex systems, catastrophes, technology, protection, feedback
Back - Full Article (in German, PDF, 103 KB)